Yesterday also saw an updated S1 filing, which revealed surging user figures and revenue, but also a year on year drop in net income in both absolute and relative terms.

Together with the apparent go-it-alone Zuckerberg Instagram deal, this might have left some potential investors taking a slightly harder line with the wunderkind than the expected coronation he'd might otherwise have been expecting.

As it is, delaying till June, as well as giving him time to prepare, will allow the dust time to calm down. Of course, if delaying to June, why not delay to July, when the firm might be able to file another S1 which could show cheerier numbers for the second quarter.

We asked Facebook if there was a delay, and if so why. A spokesperson said it had no comment to make due to its IPO quiet period. ®